The Hook Natural Area
| The Hook Natural Area | |
|---|---|
A sign for hikers in The Hook Natural Area. | |
Location within Pennsylvania | |
| Location | Union County, Pennsylvania |
| Nearest town | Hartleton |
| Coordinates | 40°57′48″N 77°10′28″W / 40.9633°N 77.1745°W |
| Area | 5,119 acres (2,072 ha) |
The Hook Natural Area is a 5,119-acre (2,072 ha) protected area in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Bald Eagle State Forest.[1][2] It was once the largest protected Natural Area in Pennsylvania[3] but has since been surpassed by Pine Creek Gorge Natural Area.
Description
The Natural Area was established to protect the complete watershed of the North Branch of Buffalo Run,[1] which has been named a Class A wild trout fishery.[4] The area is also known for housing songbirds and robust populations of black bears, coyotes, and most notably bobcats which are rare in Pennsylvania.[4] Equally uncommon flying squirrels have also been reported.[2] The Natural Area is named "The Hook" after a distinct meander in the creek, and the area can be explored via a wide variety of maintained hiking trails.[3]
References
- ^ a b "Bald Eagle State Forest Wild and Natural Areas". Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. Retrieved May 23, 2026.
- ^ a b Fergus, Charles (2002). Natural Pennsylvania: Exploring the State Forest Natural Areas. Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books. pp. 97–101.
- ^ a b Thwaites, Tom (2001). 50 Hikes in Central Pennsylvania (Fourth ed.). Woodstock, Vermont: Backcountry Publications. p. 110–113. ISBN 088150372X.
- ^ a b Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "The Hook Natural Area" (PDF). Retrieved May 26, 2026.